Bethlehem “Jesus came to save you, to teach you all the virtues which He Himself first practiced; He came to buy heaven for you with His Blood – to die for you on a cross so that He may be with you always. Look at His glorious little eyes which already seek to gaze at you; see those rosy lips, which already utter your name in order to declare His love for you; see His little hands of ermine which are eager to bless you. Behold Him thinking of you, crying for you, asking that I, His humble mother take Him to your side and place Him in your arms to caress you. This tender Child who weeps is the Almighty, Who seeks to touch your heart. This Child, Who cannot speak yet, is infinite activity which nothing wearies; this Child is the Creator of the universe, eternal Wisdom, supreme Beatitude. This Child will be a martyr of love for God and men, Who will sweat blood, Who will die on a gibbet; He is everlasting Beauty, Life itself, limitless Glory Who will give Himself to you as food in this world.” Excerpts from “Roses and Thorns”, Concepcion Cabrera de Armida
The fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem shows the salvation plan of God. I love what the prophet Micah said so many years before the birth of Jesus: But thou, Bethlehem, Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel: whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Micah 5:2) And I’m sure many know that the meaning of the word (city) Bethlehem from the Hebrew is “house of bread”. God is amazing! The Living Word who gave us the living bread … his body and blood which gives everlasting life was born in the House of Bread!
The fact that Mary and Joseph walked to Bethlehem is so unbelievable to think about. That journey probably took 3-4 days given its about 100 miles from Nazareth. They would have passed right through Jerusalem too under Herod's nose. What I don't know is that there has to be some historical long ago old testament meanings to Bethlehem too as what would have occurred there historically. Does anyone know?
I’m no scholar but I believe Bethlehem was settled by the tribe of Judah which was the one David came from. In fact David was born there annd is where Samuel annnointed him King. And the prophets said the Messiah would come from the line of David. So all of this to me shows that Jesus being born here is to fulfill prophesy.
It was prophesied in the OT that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem ( House of Bread) and King David's place of origin. I think its in the book of Micah. Joseph was of the house of David so was required to go back to Bethlehem to register for the census.
